BOSTON — The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108 in the NBA, with Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, and Ron Harper Jr. leading the way in a result that sends the Magic to the play-in tournament against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The game began with a script favoring the Orlando Magic, who took advantage of the numerous absences affecting the Boston Celtics—missing several key rotation pieces—to impose their pace in the first half. The visiting team built double-digit leads in the second quarter, displaying offensive solidity and tempo control.
However, the turning point came after halftime. The Boston Celtics completely transformed the game in the third quarter, powered by spectacular three-point shooting. Led by Baylor Scheierman and Ron Harper Jr., the home team delivered a devastating run, scoring 42 points in that period and punishing from beyond the arc (9 of 16), allowing them to flip the scoreboard and open a clear advantage (94-81).
Orlando Magic refused to quit and mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Paolo Banchero, in a complete performance, led the visiting rally with a triple-double of 23 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, accompanied by Jalen Suggs' 23 points. The Florida team tied the game after a Suggs three-pointer and cut the deficit down to a one-possession game in the final minutes.
That's when Luka Garza emerged as the decisive figure. The Boston Celtics center posted 27 points and 12 rebounds, including a crucial three-pointer with 31.6 seconds remaining that ultimately sealed the victory. Baylor Scheierman was the game's leading scorer with 30 points, while Ron Harper Jr. added another 27, capping off a brilliant night for Boston's bench unit.
The Boston Celtics' victory on this NBA night solidifies their strong regular season, closing with a record of 56-26 that secures them the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, Orlando Magic (45-37), who arrived on a five-game winning streak with hopes of securing the seventh seed, falls to the eighth position and must play a play-in game on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Boston Celtics will now enter the NBA playoffs with home-court advantage in the East, while the Orlando Magic must fight for their postseason survival in a high-pressure scenario.